Usually, travelers select destinations based on their list of attractions and general vibe.
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Some want total relaxation at an all-inclusive, beachside resort. Some want a culture-filled adventure in a historic city. Others might be looking to hike through a scenic natural corridor, while others are more focused on nightlife and trending pop-ups.
But some travelers are more focused on accessibility, safety, and walkability—especially for people of a certain age. They don’t just want galleries or museums. Instead, they want senior discounts, solid healthcare, and age-rewarding experiences, like access to UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In short, some places are better suited to travelers over the age of 60—but where can you find them? And what should you look for when comparing destinations? One travel company, Firebird Tours, has suggestions.
Best destinations for travelers over 60, according to travel experts
Firebird Tours recently released a study that compares seven metrics that are relevant to travelers who are now retired. They include walkability, safety, healthcare, senior public transport discounts, senior museum discounts, age-rewarding experiences, and the percentage of locals in the same age range.
These are the top 10 destinations for travelers aged 60 and over:
- Japan
- Germany
- Spain
- Slovenia
- Switzerland
- Austria
- Denmark
- Finland
- Netherlands
- Canada
Japan took the top place by a solid margin, outperforming Germany thanks to its ageing-friendly infrastructure. It’s a peaceful country with free museum entry for elders. It also has 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to choose from, and tons of Michelin-approved restaurants.
The study also goes on to point out that European countries made the list more than others. That’s thanks to high safety scores and, similar to Japan, an abundance of Michelin-mentioned eateries. They’re also more walkable and have better healthcare than other global destinations.
Lastly, Canada took tenth place in the rankings. It’s the only North American country to land in the top ten thanks to its safety, healthcare, and accessible senior discounts for transportation. It’s one of the few countries in the world to allow visiting retirees to take full advantage of senior transportation discounts.
